Keto's Dark Side: Acidic Body, Unhealthy You

The keto diet is a popular, high-fat, low-carb approach to weight loss that has also been shown to help with certain disorders such as epilepsy. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with acid reflux. The keto diet is characterised by a reduction in carbohydrates, which are typically broken down for energy, and an increase in the consumption of proteins and fats. This shift can cause the body to produce ketones, which are broken down for use as fuel, and can lead to a condition called ketosis. While ketosis is generally harmless, an excess of ketones can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious and life-threatening complication.

The keto diet has received mixed reviews, with some claiming that it forces the liver and organs to work harder to convert protein and fat into sugar, putting extra stress on the kidneys. Additionally, the high-fat content of the keto diet may worsen acid reflux symptoms, as fatty foods can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing more stomach acid to back up. Despite its potential benefits, more research is needed to understand the long-term effectiveness and safety of the keto diet.

Keto may not be inherently acidic and can even be alkaline-forming

The ketogenic diet is often associated with high acidity, which can be a cause for concern due to its potential health implications. However, it is important to understand that while a ketogenic diet can be acidic, it is not inherently so. In fact, it may even have an alkaline-forming effect on the body.

Understanding Acidity and Alkalinity

To understand the impact of the keto diet on acidity and alkalinity, it is essential to grasp the concept of pH, which measures the alkalinity or acidity of a substance. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Anything below 7 is considered acidic, while anything above is alkaline. Human blood typically maintains a stable and slightly alkaline pH of around 7.4, and even slight deviations from this can be life-threatening.

The Impact of Keto on Acidity

The misconception that keto is inherently acidic may stem from the association between keto and ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition that can occur in Type I diabetics. However, ketoacidosis is very different from the ketosis achieved through a well-formulated ketogenic diet in a healthy individual. In ketoacidosis, the body reaches dangerously high levels of ketones, leading to increased acidity in the blood. In contrast, a healthy ketogenic diet regulates ketone production through insulin, preventing excessive acidity.

The Benefits of Keto

A properly formulated ketogenic diet has been associated with numerous health benefits. It boosts mitochondrial function, reduces inflammation, and balances blood sugar. Additionally, it has been shown to have positive effects on brain function and may even help fight cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

The Role of Diet in Alkalinity

The food we eat plays a significant role in the alkalinity of our bodies, particularly in the pH of our urine. Studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lower in meat intake can contribute to a more alkaline urine pH. However, it is important to note that the pH of foods outside the body may differ from their effect on the body. For example, while lemons have an acidic pH of 2, they can create an alkalizing effect inside the body.

The Benefits of an Alkaline Diet

An alkaline-rich diet has been linked to various health benefits:

• Bone health: Alkaline diets may help prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures by increasing bone mineral density.
• Lean muscle mass: Alkaline fruits and vegetables can help reduce age-related muscle wasting, supporting overall bone health.
• Optimizes magnesium: Alkaline diets can help address magnesium deficiencies, which have been linked to anxiety, sleep issues, and headaches.
• Reduced pain and inflammation: Alkaline diets may help reduce chronic inflammation, which is a contributing factor to many diseases.
• Chronic disease prevention: Research suggests that an alkaline diet may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions.

Achieving Balance

Rather than strictly adhering to an alkaline diet, it is essential to consider the net effect of your diet. Aiming for a balance of 80% alkaline foods, such as fruits and vegetables, and 20% acidic foods, such as protein-rich meats, can help maintain optimal health. Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize hydration, sleep, stress management, exercise, and healthy relationships to support alkalinity.

Ketoacidosis is a harmful condition that can be caused by too many ketones in the body

Ketoacidosis: A Harmful Condition Caused by Excess Ketones

Ketoacidosis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when there is an excessive accumulation of ketones in the body. This condition is primarily associated with type 1 diabetes but may also occur in rare cases in people with type 2 diabetes or due to certain triggers in non-diabetic individuals.

Understanding Ketosis and Ketoacidosis

Ketosis is a natural metabolic process where the body breaks down fat for energy, resulting in the production of ketones. This typically happens when there is a lack of glucose in the blood, often due to fasting or following a low-carb diet like the ketogenic diet. While ketosis is generally harmless, if left unchecked, it can progress to ketoacidosis.

Ketoacidosis is a dangerous complication where blood glucose and ketone levels become dangerously high due to an extreme lack of insulin. This condition can cause the blood to become too acidic, disrupting the function of vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. The symptoms of ketoacidosis include fruity-smelling breath and feelings of confusion.

Risk Factors and Triggers

People with type 1 diabetes are at the highest risk of developing ketoacidosis as their bodies do not produce insulin. Type 2 diabetics, who have inadequate insulin production or function, may also rarely develop this condition. Additionally, non-diabetic individuals may experience ketoacidosis due to factors such as fasting, malnutrition, drug misuse, acute illnesses, or emotional trauma.

Preventing and Managing Ketoacidosis

For individuals with diabetes, proper insulin management is crucial to preventing ketoacidosis. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and ketone levels is essential, especially during illness or periods of stress. If ketoacidosis is suspected, prompt medical attention is necessary, as this condition can be life-threatening. Treatment typically involves fluid replacement, electrolyte correction, and addressing any underlying issues.

Keto Diet and Acid Reflux

While the keto diet has gained popularity for weight loss and managing certain disorders, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people with acid reflux may experience worsened symptoms due to the high-fat content of the keto diet. Fatty foods can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to back up. However, obesity also plays a significant role in acid reflux, and weight loss through a balanced diet and lifestyle changes is generally recommended.

The ketogenic diet is not recommended for people with acid reflux

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb diet that has gained popularity in recent years as a way to burn fat, maintain a healthy weight, improve mood and cognition, boost energy levels, and prevent disease. While the keto diet has been shown to have many benefits, it may not be the best choice for people with acid reflux.

The keto diet can be problematic for people with acid reflux because it involves consuming a high amount of fat. Fatty foods can cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the ring-like muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach, to relax, allowing more stomach acid to back up. Fat also takes longer to leave the stomach, which can further increase acid reflux symptoms.

In addition, the keto diet may put extra stress on the kidneys as it involves forcing the liver and organs to work harder to convert protein or fat into sugar. This can lead to a build-up of nitrogenous waste that the kidneys have to flush out.

While there is some evidence that a ketogenic diet may be beneficial for people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), especially those who are obese or insulin resistant, it is not a cure-all and may not work for everyone. Obesity plays a key role in increased acid reflux symptoms, and losing weight by consistently choosing real, whole foods and avoiding processed foods is often a more effective strategy for managing acid reflux.

Furthermore, while the keto diet may be alkaline-forming and have anti-inflammatory effects, it is important to note that a high-sugar diet is more likely to be problematically acidic compared to a ketogenic diet. The concern about the keto diet being acidic may be due to a misunderstanding of ketoacidosis, a harmful condition associated with type 1 diabetes.

In conclusion, while the ketogenic diet may have benefits for some people, it is not recommended for people with acid reflux due to the high-fat content and potential negative impact on kidney function. Alternative approaches, such as a low-carb diet or other dietary and lifestyle changes, may be more effective in managing acid reflux symptoms.

The ketogenic diet may put extra stress on the kidneys

Eating more protein and animal fats generates more acid in the blood. This is called acidosis and it increases the risk of developing painful kidney stones. Acidosis also increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. When the body is in a state of acidosis, the kidneys have to work harder to process protein, which can cause the tiny filters in the kidneys to become scarred. If these filters get scarred, then kidney function can decline over time, and kidney disease can worsen.

The keto diet is also associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. Kidney stones are a well-noted potential side effect of the diet. Research has shown that among children following the keto diet as a treatment for epilepsy, 13 out of 195 subjects developed kidney stones.

The keto diet may also be dangerous for people with kidney disease. People with kidney disease need to follow a diet that is prescribed by their doctor, and this may not align with the keto diet.

Overall, the keto diet may put extra stress on the kidneys due to the high amounts of protein and animal fats, the increased risk of kidney stones, and the potential dangers for people with kidney disease.

A ketogenic diet may be more alkaline-forming than a non-ketogenic diet

The alkaline diet is based on the idea that consuming acidic foods can change the acid-base balance of your body, increasing your risk of health issues like osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Because the keto diet is high in animal protein and other "acid-forming" foods, some people claim it results in health problems that can be prevented by eating a more alkaline diet.

However, the body is very good at regulating its pH levels, regardless of diet. The pH of the body varies greatly depending on the body part, and the body will go to great lengths to ensure the pH of the blood does not fluctuate too much. For example, the skin's natural pH is 4-6.5, which protects against germs, while the stomach pH is 1.35-3.5, which allows it to break down protein.

While the keto diet may be considered acidic due to its focus on animal protein and other acid-forming foods, it can also have an alkaline effect on the body. A properly formulated ketogenic diet has massive health benefits and is one of the safest and most reliable ways of improving the body's ability to heal from various conditions. It can boost mitochondrial function, lower inflammation, and balance blood sugar.

Additionally, the keto diet may be more alkaline-forming than a non-ketogenic diet due to what we know about the metabolism of sugar. Sugar is highly acid-forming in the body, and the keto diet restricts sugar consumption. By reducing sugar intake, the keto diet may contribute to a more alkaline environment in the body.

Furthermore, the keto diet emphasizes the consumption of healthy fats, which can also have an alkaline effect. Healthy fats, such as olive oil and raw nuts, are recommended as part of an alkaline-forming diet. By focusing on these healthy fats instead of processed sugars and carbohydrates, the keto diet may promote alkalinity in the body.

In conclusion, while the keto diet includes some acidic foods, it also has the potential to be more alkaline-forming than a non-ketogenic diet. This is due to the restriction of sugar and the emphasis on healthy fats, both of which can contribute to a more alkaline environment in the body. Ultimately, the body is very effective at regulating its pH levels, and the keto diet can be a safe and beneficial way to improve health and enhance the body's ability to heal.

Frequently asked questions